Mike Flanagan: Rigged to Ride

Signet Western (Paperback), ISBN 0-451-20033-0

Book two in the Rodeo Riders series, Rigged to Ride presents a credible adventure and an inside glimpse into the workings of championship rodeo. It also introduces some of the perils waiting outside the arena: the gamblers intent on making a buck on the season’s outcome and the hirelings who don’t mind harming a few people along the way.

This book provided my first look at the series starring veteran cowboy Jack Lomas and his young partner, rodeo rider Clay Tory, but it stands alone. The author includes enough of the previous adventure to make their relationship understandable. Clay’s budding romance with barrel racer Tamara Allen adds to the plot. Strange accidents, incidents, vandalism and acts of violence befall several of Clay’s competitors. Clay’s injuries might spell an end to his career. The culprits must be found and soon — and more than one faction involves itself in the detecting.

A pleasant and not too demanding tale of earthy derring-do, peopled with likable characters and some exciting rides, Rigged to Ride defines escapism reading. A not terribly violent but well-developed plot, honorable protagonists, slimy and far from brain-trust antagonists, humor, and a G-rated love story all join together to make a great summer read.

Enjoyable but not taxing best sums up my reaction to the book. My husband watches rodeos on TV. so of course, on occasion, I cheer for a bull rider or two. Rigged to Ride gave me a great understanding of the process, of what happens prior to and after the ride. It also gave me a greater respect for the riders.

Would I recommend the book? Yes, too all my friends who love westerns and can’t get enough of the genre and to any reader who would like to venture into the world of the contemporary cowboy.

Patricia Lucas White

Patricia Lucas White’s latest historical novel, To Last a Lifetime, was an Eppie finalist for 2003. To Last a Lifetime and two of her fantasy romances, the Sapphire Award-winning A Wizard Scorned and The Godmother Sanction, can be ordered through Hard Shell Word Factory. Her recent contemporary, PS, I’ve Taken a Lover, is available from Lionhearted Books.